Tylenol is an Acetaminophen whereas Aspirin is a NSAID(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) – we have discussed the dangers of Aspirin and how it causes brain hemorrhaging and increases mortality when taken regularly but Tylenol takes the cake as the Deadly Killer and is far more dangerous as we will discuss.
In 1955 McNeil Labs, which was purchased 4 years later by Johnson & Johnson, created the Tylenol brand. The very next year Tylenol became available OTC and has since grown to the most prescribed pain medication.
Johnson & Johnson totes itself as the “family company” but it is anything but. Over the past 40 years they have repeatedly had health & safety and workplace violations including contaminated Tylenol that contained Burkholderia cepacia which is resistant to antibiotics. It was later purported that it was not found in the capsules but only in the drums and a report was issued by the corrupt CDC stating “Burkholderia cepacia is not likely to cause health problems for those with healthy immune systems” – had this been found in an herbal supplement they would have reacted much differently.
What is Tylenol prescribed for?
Fever – Tylenol was first marketed as an antipyretic to reduce fever in children and adults alike, even though the efficacy and safety have never actually been proven. (read the Side Effects section for more info on this danger)
Pain – Extra strength Tylenol is commonly used to relieve pain. It is used intravenously at certain emergency rooms for patients in pain even though limited to no evidence supports this procedure.
Osteoarthritis – The American College of Rheumatology recommends Tylenol as a treatment option for arthritis pain of the hip, hand, and knee. However, in later studies, it was found to only provide a small benefit which is not logically efficacious to the huge side effects.[1]Efficacy and safety of paracetamol for spinal pain and osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
Back Pain – The same study referenced above concluded that Tylenol was “ineffective in the treatment of low back pain”
Headaches
Dental Procedures
How does Tylenol work on the body?
According to the American Chemical Society “researchers don’t know how the popular painkilling medicine in Tylenol works”[2]How Does Acetaminophen Work? Researchers Still Aren’t Sure – The article goes on to explain that what we do know is that it is very toxic to the liver, but we are not sure the process by which it works or completely how it works on the body. This is a SERIOUS issue. One of the issues brought up in this article is that the difference between a “safe dose” and “toxic dose” is a very fine line which could easily lead to permanent liver damage or even death.
What we do know!
Researchers believe that acetaminophen (Tylenol) blocks cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes which play a role in forming prostaglandins, which are pain and inflammation-mediating signaling molecules. If this is true (we do not know) then it acts in a similar fashion to Aspirin. But we know that even if this is true that it has other processes on the body which Aspirin does not.
Medicinenet states that while the exact mechanism of Tylenol is unknown it elevates the pain threshold so that you for instance what used to be a level 10 pain now feels like a level 7 perhaps. This is dangerous because it DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY HEALING so you aren’t fixing the problem but simply masking it while damaging your liver. On top of this Tylenol manipulates the bodys wonderful temperature regulating system called the Hypothalamus. The Hypothalamus triggers a fever to protect and heal the body, it is a NECESSARY process that Tylenol manipulates and negatively effects. We do not know if Tylenol may permanently damage the Hypothalamus which could lead to serious health concerns currently not tagged to Tylenol.
Tylenol – the drug of lies!
Tylenol/Antipyretics Suppress Antibody Response in Virus
In a human study of volunteers infected with rhinovirus, the use of antipyretics like Tylenol was associated with suppression of serum antibody response, increased symptoms and ZERO decrease in shedding. The study concluded that while there was no significant difference the Tylenol treated group had a “trend toward longer duration of virus shedding”[3]Adverse effects of aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen on immune function, viral shedding, and clinical status in rhinovirus-infected volunteers.
Yup, you read that right! Taking Tylenol INCREASES your duration of virus. But wait… this is not an isolated case. This drug is prescribed for THOUSANDS of symptoms it does NOTHING POSITIVE for.
Tylenol: more harm than good for chickenpox?
In a study of 72 children between the ages of 1-12 years of age 31 received placebo and 37 received Tylenol in treatment of chickenpox. Wait for it… the placebo group excelled over the Tylenol group to scabbing by almost a whole day. The researchers conclude “These results provide evidence that acetaminophen does not alleviate symptoms in children with varicella[Chickenpox] and may prolong illness.”[4]Acetaminophen: more harm than good for chickenpox
Preventing Febrile Convulsions/Seizures in Children
It is a huge myth that Tylenol is beneficial for children prone to febrile convulsions during fever, in fact there is great evidence to suggest that administration of Tylenol INCREASES the chances of recurrence while providing no benefit. Several studies indicate that allowing the fever to reach 40 degrees Celcius decreases the chances of Febrile Convulsion recurrence so consequently hindering that fever would inevitably increase the risk of recurrence. Also it has been found that certain risk factors are present in whether a child will have FS and Tylenol does NOT improve or benefit these at all. Many studies find no benefit to Tylenol over placebo in treatment of FS.[5]Randomized, controlled trial of ibuprofen syrup administered during febrile illnesses to prevent febrile seizure recurrences. Pediatrics. 1998;102:E51. [6]A study of the efficacy of antipyretic drugs in the prevention of febrile seizure recurrence. [7]Lower degree of fever at the initial febrile convulsion is associated with increased risk of subsequent convulsions. [8]Paracetamol for treating fever in children.
Side Effects & Statistics
Dangers of Reducing Fever with Tylenol
Liver failure
Intestinal damage and bleeding
Tylenol Toxicity
458 deaths are associated each year with Tylenol overdose. The issue with this statistic is that these are deaths that are concluded as having been caused by Tylenol. There are thousands more which no association has been made but who died from Tylenol use. Tylenol is used very actively as a suicidal weapon because it is so deadly – statistics do not include suicide by Tylenol.
Each year 56K people visit the ER and 26K are hospitalized for Tylenol overdose.
In 1977 even the corrupt FDA was forced to acknowledge the severe toxicity of this horrible drug. They stated it was “obligatory” to place a warning that Tylenol causes “severe liver damage” to the point of liver failure. What absolutely astonishes me is that there is valid proof that Tylenol causes liver damage and millions take it regularly without even blinking an eye but one unsubstantiated claim that Comfrey causes liver damage and the FDA bans it and people are afraid of taking it. To learn more about the Comfrey lies watch this video on The Truth about Comfrey Toxicity
Tylenol is such a threat that McNeil has actually funded the production of an antidote to this poison. But lest you conclude the company cares about people I must inform you that they have repeatedly and forcefully fought against safety warnings, restrictions on use and any and all measures to protect users of Tylenol. After all, Tylenol is a billion dollar drug so no wonder they aren’t honest.
There are many medicines that contain the toxic Acetaminophen so you may be taking a lethal load of Acetaminophen without realizing it. Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause for calls to the Poison Control Center which accounts over 100K each year.[9]Acetaminophen and the U.S. acute liver failure study group: Lowering the risks of hepatic failure
Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity far exceeds all other causes of acute liver failure in the USA and accounts for nearly 50% of all acute liver failures in the USA. [10]Acetaminophen‐induced acute liver failure: Results of a United States multicenter, prospective study[11]Acetaminophen and the U.S. acute liver failure study group: Lowering the risks of hepatic failure
What to do about Tylenol Poisoning/Overdose
IMMEDIATELY call Centers for Poison Control and get medical attention! 1-800-222-1222 in the USA
Activated charcoal should be taken ASAP and taken every hour until able to see a Doctor. “those who had been given activated charcoal were significantly less likely to have probable or high-risk concentrations”[12]Activated Charcoal Reduces the Need for N-Acetylcysteine Treatment After Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) Overdose
The other treatment that is used referred to as Gastric lavage or stomach pumping and while it is beneficial alone, “Gastric lavage, in addition to activated charcoal, did not further decrease the risk”[13]Activated Charcoal Reduces the Need for N-Acetylcysteine Treatment After Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) Overdose – Translation, Activated Charcoal is as effective as pumping your stomach.
While medical attention should always be sought for poisoning you owe it to yourself to begin administering Activated Charcoal immediately as it is a well known and safe protocol with proven benefits and no added risk.
Do not drink soda, beer or any alcohol if at risk for Acetaminophen poisoning. This appears to increase the risk of toxic liver failure.
Alternatives to Tylenol
Anti-Inflammatory – Tylenol and Advil block the formation of inflammation which sounds great if you don’t know how the body works. Inflammation is a natural process in the body to heal so just blocking it will ALWAYS cause future problems. Natural anti-inflammatory herbs don’t just block the body from forming inflammation they address the underlying issue and break down inflammation.
Ginger – An amazing natural anti-inflammatory that works on multi-functions of the body. Not only does Ginger break down inflammation but it also reduces acidity in stomach and joints as well as calming the stomach. Best of all it causes no harm to the liver! Ginger was found to be “as effective as betamethasone” for inflammation – but again without ANY damage to the body.[14]A Synoviocyte Model for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Response to Ibuprofen, Betamethasone, and Ginger Extract—A Cross-Sectional In Vitro Study
Ginger is superior to Tylenol because it heals rather than just blocking natural processes in the body. Ginger can be used fresh in food, soups, smoothies or it can be frozen, dried and used in teas. The options are endless. Make some ginger, lemon, cayenne tea and freeze it into cubes to use later… makes an excellent immune booster and anti-inflammatory.
Turmeric – This amazing spice is beyond miraculous in it’s ability to fight inflammation, alleviate pain especially associated with arthritis and osteoporosis. Turmeric should be taken with black pepper which increases its efficacy by 2000%
Cayenne –
Valerian Root –
Magnesium
Cat’s Claw
Boswelia
White Willow Bark
References